Message Boards for the CF Trust

Replies: 6 Pages: 1

jellyeels

Posts: 142
From: england,scarborough
Registered: 12-Feb-2004

White blood count?
Posted: 08-Dec-2006 23:19

Reply

Just wondering,what a low white blood count can/could mean?

I know a high white blood count indicates a infection,but what does a low one indicate?

As i have a low white blood count.

Shirley xXx

DimBloke

Posts: 102
Registered: 11-Nov-2006

Re: White blood count?
Posted: 08-Dec-2006 23:24

Reply

A low white blood cell count can also be the result of infection - just like a high white blood count. It can also be a sign of liver disease.

Sometimes when you're on or have just had a course of IV antibiotics your white blood cell count can also be decreased as antibiotics can interfere with white blood cell production.

pinkgirl

Posts: 77
From: Ireland
Registered: 06-Nov-2006

Re: White blood count?
Posted: 08-Dec-2006 23:40

Reply

I think a low white blood cell count means a low immune system. Simply because when on Anti-rejection medication my WBC is about 4(?). I think like Dimbloke said, it can also be the result of antibiotics...

Lizzie83

Posts: 44
From: Manchester, UK/ Connecticut, USA
Registered: 06-Nov-2006

Re: White blood count?
Posted: 09-Dec-2006 14:38

Reply

I once had a zero white blood cell count as the result of an antibiotic shutting of my bone marrow! (I was extremely unwell and VERY lucky i was in hospital when it happened) So yes antibiotics can effect the prodction of white blood cells. Mine was just an extreme and rare case....but your docs obviously know of your situation and i'm sure they're keeping an eye out

Lizzie xxx

cfdykey06

Posts: 33
From: hailsham
Registered: 17-Nov-2006

Re: White blood count?
Posted: 09-Dec-2006 16:09

Reply

thats happend 2 me i had a reaction to tazcin an it like killed mi white blood cell an it was low yesterday aswell coz i hav had a sorta reacton to a anti-biotic if u no u have low white blood cell count an den like u start itchin light headed an any think u neva have wen u on ivs tell em str8 away

vicki

FiC

Posts: 337
From: North of Aberdeen
Registered: 09-Feb-2004

Re: White blood count?
Posted: 09-Dec-2006 20:00

Reply

Shirley, I have a low white blood cell count, they're all in my spleen. The chances are yours are too -its a side effetct of the portal hypertension. You still have the and they will come out to fight infections, but tend to hide out in the spleen meantime. Don't worry too much about it

jellyeels

Posts: 142
From: england,scarborough
Registered: 12-Feb-2004

Re: White blood count?
Posted: 09-Dec-2006 20:58

Reply

Thank you,Fic,your message has rung the bells in my head now.DING DONG LOL.

I am on home IV'S till thursday,i had to go and get a new long line put in on tuesday.
While there My cf Doctor,told me my white blood cells where low prior to starting IV's,but i do remember him now saying that is was to do with my large spleen.So that is why your message has helped because i couldn't remember for the life of me,what my doctor said about it been low.So thank you very much,i am less confused now

.

Shirley xXx